Even the most precious of assets are often taken for granted as long as they come effortlessly to us. For most of us who are living a healthy life, the blood flowing through our veins is just another asset. But there are those who need to procure blood on a regular basis to meet pressing medical demands of their bodies, the lack of availability makes it a desperate need for survival. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about donating blood.
The requirement of blood is so imperative in certain diseases like thalassemia, hemophilia, in medical procedures like heart surgery, organ transplantation, cancer or trauma that patients need blood immediately. However, despite increasing education and exposure to information available regarding blood donation, there are still many myths surrounding it, which are all unjustifiable notions that needs to be cleared to ensure maximum blood donations.
Myth: Donating blood will make me weak and unhealthy
Fact: During blood donation around 350 to 450 ml of blood is taken, which is reproduced in the body within 24 hours. A healthy person can donate blood four times a year. Moreover people often assume that they are weak; if one biochemical paramers are correct and one are not suffering from any disease then there is no reason why one could not donate blood. Anyone from the age group of 18 to 65 years and having a minimum body weight of 50 kgs and 12.5 gm of hemoglobin can donate blood.
Myth: People with infection, high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension can’t donate blood
Fact: There are certain infections like HIV and hepatitis which may disqualify one from donating blood. Even if one has problems like high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension one can donate blood as long as one meet the biochemical parameters are within normal limits. However, diabetic people on insulin may not qualify for blood donation.
Myth: One needs to take a day off for blood donation as it is not possible to work immediately after donating blood
Fact: This is not true at all; one can almost immediately go back to work after donating blood. However, there are few precautions one should take like, drinking 8-10 glasses of water within 24 hours following blood donation, avoiding sun exposure, driving for the next 3-4 hours, smoking for next four hours and alcohol for next 24 hours.
Myth: Donating blood can lead to infections as much attention is not paid on hygiene and safety in the hospitals
Fact: Sufficient care is being taken at all blood banks that donor does not get any infection and the blood he/she is donating is cleared for donation. The entire process of drawing blood is done with all sterile precautions
Myth: People taking certain medications can’t donate
Fact: Certain medications such as aspirin, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, anticoagulants, can disqualify one from donating blood.
(The writer is a consultant, internal medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon)